Onyekachi Eze 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described as baseless and unsubstantiated, the allegation by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was smuggling Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and voters’ registers into the INEC office.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State Dr Anugbum Onuoha, in a statement issued on Friday, said it conducted a comprehensive review of the allegations and found it without merit.
Dr Onuoha noted that INEC is committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, adding that at no time was the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines or voters’ registers compromised or unlawfully accessed by any political party or external entity.
“We fully understand the gravity of such claims, which is why the investigation was conducted with the utmost rigor and impartiality,” he said.
The REC assured that as an institution charged with the sacred responsibility of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, INEC will not tolerate any form of malpractice or manipulation, and the integrity of all electoral materials remains fully intact.
Dr. Onuoha stated that INEC is prepared to facilitate the inspection of electoral materials, including the BVAS machines and voters’ registers in compliance with the recent court order.
He appealed to all political actors to focus on the democratic principles that bind Nigeria together “and avoid actions or rhetoric that may undermine public confidence in our electoral system.
“INEC’s commitment to neutrality and excellence in electoral administration remains unwavering, and we will continue to work towards the preservation of democracy and the rule of law in Edo State and Nigeria at large.”
